ISO 20760-1:2018

Overview

ISO 20760-1:2018 - Water reuse in urban areas: Guidelines for centralized water reuse system - Part 1: Design principle of a centralized water reuse system provides guidance for planning and designing centralized water reuse (reclaimed water) systems in urban areas. The standard addresses the full system lifecycle - from source water selection and treatment through storage, distribution, operation and maintenance, monitoring, and emergency response - while avoiding prescriptive numeric targets. ISO 20760-1 is intended for use by practitioners and authorities who need to implement centralized water reuse in a safe, reliable, and sustainable way.

Key topics and technical requirements

• System scope and terminology: Standardized terms and definitions to support consistent planning and communication across projects and stakeholders.
• System components and models: Describes possible models for centralized water reuse systems (e.g., single application, multiple applications, environmental storage, cascading uses) and component interactions.
• Design principles: Core design principles emphasizing safety, reliability, stability, economic viability, and environmental considerations for centralized water reuse systems.
• Source water considerations: Guidance on types of source water (treated effluent, raw wastewater, alternative sources), quality and reliability assessment, and economic factors.
• Treatment and storage: High-level guidance on centralized treatment system configurations, storage types (open/closed reservoirs, aquifer storage and recovery), turnover and water-quality control, and post-treatment needs.
• Distribution and transmission: Principles for distribution system design, pipeline materials and layout, pumping station design, avoiding stagnation, and color-coding/labeling for reclaimed water networks.
• Monitoring and control: Recommended monitoring locations and facilities for source water, treatment processes, storage, distribution, and user sites - including operational monitoring and control systems.
• Emergency response: Requirements for planning and procedures to respond to contamination events or service interruptions.
• Assessment criteria: Common assessment criteria and example water quality indicators are provided, but the standard does not set target values or regulatory thresholds.

Applications

ISO 20760-1 is practical for:

• Urban planners and municipal authorities developing water reuse strategies.
• Water utilities and wastewater treatment operators designing centralized reclamation and distribution systems.
• Consulting engineers and design teams specifying treatment, storage, and transmission infrastructure.
• Regulators and policymakers seeking harmonized terminology and design guidance for urban water reuse projects.

Related standards

• Part of the ISO 20760 series on water reuse; consult other parts of the series for complementary guidance.
• Developed by ISO/TC 282 (Water reuse), and intended to be used alongside local regulatory requirements and technical codes.

Keywords: ISO 20760-1, water reuse, centralized water reuse system, reclaimed water, urban water reclamation, design principles, water reuse guidelines.